Commencement 2013 continues a Baylor tradition older than most in Texas

At Baylor, commencement honors every individual, as each graduate walks the stage and hears her or her name called, one by one. (How many universities of Baylor’s size still provide such recognition?) But the event itself means something more to the collective.

“By assembling together, you affirm your membership in the Baylor family through cap and gown, through music, through singing ‘That Good Old Baylor Line,'” said President Ken Starr in his commencement address. “You remember by gathering here with those who encouraged and supported you on your Baylor journey, your dear family and loved ones. But even more than family and loved ones, you made this journey — which we celebrate today — with friends.” [Click here to read the entire speech, and here to see photos from graduation.]

Yes, the Baylor experience is about gaining knowledge that will help you in your career. But it’s also about growing as a person, gaining insight that will help you in life, and about forming friendships with people who will walk with you not just for four years in Waco, but for the rest of your life.

Stay in touch, Baylor graduates — with your friends, with the professors who mentored you, and with your alma mater. Share the good news of your life — new jobs, weddings, kids, etc. — with your now-former classmates (perhaps by submitting a class note to Baylor Magazine). And don’t forget to update your contact information as you move along so you can continue to be kept up-to-date on what’s going on here at Baylor and among your new fellow alumni as you all march “forever down the years.”

Wherever life may take you, Class of 2013 — sic ’em, as new Baylor graduates!